Small businesses should consider SBA loans when looking for financing

Business Banking

Small Business Lending: An SBA Loans Primer

According to the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) in 2021, there were 32.5 million small businesses in the U.S. employing 46.8% of U.S. employees. While the definition of “small” varies by industry and other factors, SBA regulation defines a small business as one that:

  • Is organized for profit
  • Has a place of business in the U.S.
  • Operated primarily within the U.S. or makes a significant contribution to the U.S. economy through payment of taxes or use of American products, materials or labor
  • Is independently owned and operated and is not dominant in its field on a national basis

SBA loans overview

In 2021, the SBA provided $44.8 billion in funding to small businesses through more than 61,000 loans. SBA loans can be applied for most business uses, such as working capital, inventory, equipment and real estate. Qualification requirements include creditworthiness, business revenue and longevity, collateral, and a personal guarantee that the borrower will pay the loan if the business cannot.

While SBA loans sometimes get an infamous reputation due to the amount of paperwork and time it takes to close the loan, the flexibility for use, combined with longer repayment terms and reliable interest rates, make them worthwhile to consider.

The SBA does not lend money; it guarantees a portion of the loan, thereby making it a less risky investment for lenders. There’s no shortage of SBA lenders and because the SBA specifies rate maximums, and not a set rate, rates can vary from lender to lender. In addition, the loan type may determine whether it has a fixed or variable rate.

Loan types

The SBA lists three main loan types although it also offers disaster assistance loans, surety bonds and grants for trade expansion and community organizations.

7(a) loansUse for multiple purposes including:
  • Short- or long-term working capital
  • Purchase of equipment, machinery, furniture, real estate
  • Establishing a new business or assisting in the acquisition of an existing business
    • 504 loansLarge loans used to purchase major fixed assets that promote business growth and job creation. Offered in partnership with Community Development Companies (CDCs) and banks.
    MicroloansSmall loans used for inventory, working capital, and other business projects.

     

    Work with trusted partners

    If you are a business owner or are looking to start or purchase a business, it’s valuable to work with your banker to understand all your lending options. Shopping for rates is just one piece of financing. Your banker can help assess eligibility, identify loan programs that fit your specific needs and help you navigate through loan paperwork. In addition, your banker can be an advocate for your business by introducing you to other financing tools such as lines of credit, specialty finance, traditional loans and credit cards, as well as services to take care of your banking so you can focus on your business.

    Next time, we’ll dig a little deeper into what you need to get an SBA loan and I’ll provide some personal insight into the process from my own experiences helping clients with business financing.

    Kalen Schwartz

    Commercial Banking Team Leader,
    Mergers & Acquisitions

    Kalen specializes in business financing, partner buyouts, and small business lending including SBA loans. He is a regular panelist on “Buyers Bootcamp”, a professional, informational panel dedicated to buying and selling businesses.

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